June 14, 2022
Just Do it Now!
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them (James 4:17 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Procrastination is one of the greatest sources of stress in life. I once heard a preacher tell the old story of three demons who were arguing over the best way to destroy the Christian movement.
The first demon had it all figured out. “Let’s tell all the Christians that there is no heaven. If we take away the reward incentive, their movement will collapse,” he said.
The second demon responded with, “Let’s tell all the Christians that there really is no hell. If we take away their fear of punishment, their movement will collapse.”
The third demon offered, “There is a better way. Let’s tell all the Christians there is no hurry.” The other demons applauded in delight! “That’s it!” they said. “Our best weapon of all is procrastination.”
Humanly speaking, procrastination is understandable and normal, but procrastination does not please God. We rarely view procrastination as sin, but it is.
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17 NIV).
Sin is not merely doing wrong. It is failing to do what you know you should do – when you know you should do it. Knowledge equals responsibility. Procrastination and disobedience are just opposite sides of the same coin.
Sin brings pleasure for only a moment. Procrastination is different in that it helps us avoid doing the things we don’t want to do – the tasks that require personal discipline and a commitment to godly goals.
Wasting time often creates a restless feeling that produces a sense of failure. When the deadline we were supposed to meet has come and gone, or the dreaded task we keep putting off spirals out of control – guilt sets in. We try to rationalize it away when the simple truth is that we have sinned.
The key to dealing with procrastination begins with a commitment to obey God and exercising His wisdom.
We can choose to be led by wisdom rather than our momentary feelings. We can choose to make right choices. We can learn to be good stewards of the time God has given us.
I once attended a leadership conference that changed my life. The speakers did not talk about money or success. They focused on the fact that God created each one of us in response to His unique plan for our lives. One of the simplest but most powerful mottoes
I came away from that conference with was: “Do it now!”
It takes as much energy to avoid a task as it does to just do it. Procrastination drains energy while action produces energy. God empowers us to do what He calls us to do.
“The thing you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you” (Matthew 6:33, ICB).
Truth is for today. God is not impressed with good intentions. Obedience today is the greatest preparation for every tomorrow. So do what you know to do today?
Let’s Pray
Father, please forgive me when I procrastinate. Help me learn to be more disciplined with my time. I want to do what You created me to do, Lord. Show me how to live a life of power and purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
How well do I invest my time?
What one change can I make this week to overcome procrastination?
Ask a friend or family member to hold you accountable to make that change.
The moments God gives us really do matter now and eternally. We are responsible for how we spend them. Each moment in time represents an eternal opportunity. Evaluate your life in light of the questions listed above.
More from the Girlfriends
New! Mary’s heart is to train and coach women in ministry. Be sure to check out her new Zoom coaching ministry, Friends for the Journey.
© 2022 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved.
Originally published Tuesday, 14 June 2022.
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